Sandhead Beach - on the doorstep of our beach rental house

The small, beach front village of Sandhead is a quiet gem set in the south west of Dumfries and Galloway, but is also the gateway to an area of outstanding natural beauty. The Mull of Galloway is Scotlands most southerly point where you can see Puffins nesting in the cliffs.

Dumfries and Galloway

This area of Scotland is beautiful, the climate is warmed by the Gulf Stream and everybody has the air of being relaxed and friendly. All the beauties of the area, the high granite mountains of the Galloway Hills, the Galloway Forest Park (which is the UK’s largest forest park), the Solway coast and the tranquil freshwater lochs are all easily accessible from the Auld Schoolhouse.

No queues in Galloway !

Dumfries and Galloway can be enjoyed either on foot, by bicycle or by car, there are some lovely walks around the varied coastline and when the tide is out you can walk across the sandy dunes. If you drive you will enjoy the ambling by-ways and quiet back roads. You will be surprised at the lack of queues and traffic jams!

Gardens

Warmed by the Gulf Stream, the area enjoys a mild climate and has all year round attractions. There are over 30 Gardens to visit. Within 5 miles, you will find Logan Botanic Garden & salad bar tearoom, Logan House Gardens, Ardwall Gardens, Castle Kennedy Gardens (Lochinch Castle - Home of the Earl of Stair) and Glenwhan Gardens. You will also fine Port Logan  which was the location for the BBC drama 2000 Acres of Skye. Beach house rental at its best !

Where are the crowds ?

Is there a place as beautiful as the Cotswolds? as stunning as the Lake District? as remote as the Hebrides? as wild as the Cornish Coast?

It's all here in Dumfries and Galloway except one thing - the crowds !

Fine Eating Out

Just a minute stroll along the road from our beach rental house takes you to one of the best 'eating pubs' in the area, the tighe-na-mara, next door is a very special tea room which serves delicious home baked cakes and very tasty lunches.

Families will have fun

Although you could spend the entire holiday going absolutely nowhere, just enjoying the beach in front of the Auld School House. There are activities such as horse trekking, 4x4 buggy rides, sea trips to see seals and dolphins, and a selection of great beaches and rocky coves. You can feed the fish and octopii in Port Logan fish pond.

Art in Dumfries and Galloway

This region is renowned for its art and artists, and you may just come across magnificent works as you are out and about. The 'Spring Fing' opens over 50 artist studios to the public but art is part of our culture and will not be far away. Kirkcudbright is famous for the 'Scottish Colourists'. You can even find a Henry Moore or a Goldsworthy on a walk

7 Stanes - Mountain Biking Heaven

Sandhead is located at the west of Dumfries and Galloway and as it has many quiet roads for cycling, however if you need to get your blood pumping, there are the 7 Stanes. Scotland premier mountain biking routes. Each route has 3 versions for the easy, medium and hard rides. Your bikes will be safe in our private court at the rear.

Castles and History

Dunskey Castle is one of the fine ancient buildings in this area of South West Scotland, there is a fantastic walk along the cliffs from this Castle into the bustling harbour of Portpatrick where you can have a fantastic meal in one of the pubs overlooking the harbour. A little closer is the lighthouse at the mull of Galloway which is open to the public in peak season.